Gulfport Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
When motorcyclists get hurt in crashes, they are often seriously injured. Fatality rates are much higher for bikers than for drivers and riders in enclosed passenger vehicles. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80% of motorcycle crashes cause injury or death, compared to only 20% of car crashes.
This is especially troubling in Florida, where there are close to 8,650 motorcycle accidents per year that cause over 600 fatalities. In Gulfport and surrounding Pinellas County alone, there are about 430 motorcycles crashes, injuring approximately 385 people and causing 30 people to lose their lives each year.
If you live in the Gulfport area, and you were recently seriously injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere within the state, you may be facing numerous physical, emotional and financial challenges. The Dennis Hernandez Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyers understand these challenges and want to help. We have helped hundreds of accident victims throughout Florida get the compensation they deserve and will put our experience and legal expertise to work fighting to get you full compensation for your pain, suffering and losses.
The Dennis Hernandez Gulfport motorcycle accident team helps injured motorcyclists like you seek justice. Call us at 855-529-3366 or fill out the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on this page to discuss your motorcycle accident with an experienced lawyer.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Gulfport and throughout Florida?
In almost 95% of crashes involving motorcycles, the cause is human error – usually mistakes made by the other driver, not the motorcycle rider.
Common mistakes that cause motorcycle accidents include:
A driver not seeing the motorcycle. Motorcycles can be harder to see than other vehicles because they are smaller. Still, drivers who fail to see motorcyclists are often being negligent. They may fail to check their blind spots and mirrors before making turns or changing lanes, or they may not be paying attention to what is going on around them. As a result, they may cause a collision.
Dangerous weather and road conditions. Drivers have an obligation to adjust the way they drive when the weather is bad, visibility is low, or the road is wet or uneven. If they fail to do so, they may be at fault for causing an accident.
Alcohol and drug impairment. Substance impairment frequently causes or contributes to serious accidents.
Motorcycle rider inexperience. Riders without much experience on the road are more likely to lose control of their bikes.
If you think both you and the other driver may have been at fault for the accident, you should consult a Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyer before making any decisions about whether to pursue a claim. Florida uses a system of comparative fault when determining damages in an accident case, so you may be able to seek compensation from the other driver even if you were partially responsible for the crash.
Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents in Gulfport and throughout Florida
Motorcyclists do not have the protection of a vehicle surrounding them and are exposed directly to the road. Therefore, in a crash, they often suffer serious, life-threatening injuries.
Medical costs for treating these injuries can be very high. The Florida Department of Transportation reports that the average cost for an injured motorcyclist who is treated in a hospital emergency room and then released is more than $8,500. If they are admitted to the hospital, the average cost soars to more than $117,000.
Some common injuries from motorcycle accidents that require treatment in a hospital or an emergency room are:
- Serious bone fractures. If the impact of a crash throws a motorcyclist from their bike, they will land with tremendous force on the road or onto another object. The result can be multiple fractures.
- Spinal cord injuries. The impact of being thrown onto the road can also cause injuries to the spinal cord, with paralysis being a possible outcome.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). If a motorcyclist hits the ground or a vehicle with force, a traumatic brain injury could occur. Severe brain injuries may cause permanent disability or death. Motorcyclists are most at risk for TBIs if they are not wearing a certified safety helmet.
A Dennis Hernandez Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyer has the skill, knowledge, and experience to build a compelling case showing how your injuries are likely to affect you now and over the long term. We seek the maximum compensation available to help ensure that you have the money you need to deal with your medical expenses and lost income. We also seek compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of quality of life, and the impact of your injuries on your family.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get for Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Florida?
If another driver caused or partially caused the accident that injured you, you may be able to bring a claim against the driver for damages. These damages can be economic and non-economic, including:
- Past, present and future accident-related medical and rehabilitative care
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Diminished capacity to enjoy life
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Your family’s loss of your companionship, assistance and guidance
- Other damages recoverable under Florida law
An experienced Dennis Hernandez motorcycle accident lawyer can assess all the economic and non-economic damages you have experienced and may experience in the future and fight for your right to full compensation for them.
Get the Legal Help You Need in Gulfport, Florida
The Dennis Hernandez Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve for your motorcycle accident injuries. We will investigate the accident thoroughly, gather proof of fault, demonstrate the full extent of the damages you have suffered because of the accident and negotiate aggressively with the negligent driver’s insurance company on your behalf.
At Dennis Hernandez, we never give up, we never back down, and we never settle for less than what you deserve. We leverage our litigation experience to fight for your right to get the substantial compensation you need. Unlike many other lawyers, we are always ready to go to court if that’s what it takes to get you full, fair compensation.
Give us a call at 855-529-3366 or fill out the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on our website to get the help you need with your motorcycle accident case.